Mr. Jones and Me

Beating a team as bad as Auburn isn't much to get excited about, but no one would argue that it's exactly what Kentucky needed at this point in the season.
UK never trailed, held the Tigers' leading scorer to 1 point and cruised through the second half en route to a 78-54 victory at Rupp Arena. After struggling to knock down shots at Georgia over the weekend, Kentucky's shooters showed up en masse, going an even 50% from the field and draining 11-of-26 threes.
Terrence Jones has been apathetic in the last few games, and even though he was benched because of a "cold," you can't help but wonder if Cal wanted to make sure he realized that his starting spot is not guaranteed.
Whatever the reason for Jones becoming the Cats' sixth man, it sparked an historic performance from the Washington big man, who exploded for 35 points, the most ever by a Kentucky freshman. Jones came up two rebounds shy of a double-double but still led the Cats with 8, and also nailing 4-of-5 from behind the arc, much to the chagrin of his head coach.
Calipari was beside himself at times, trying to get the 6-foot-9 power forward down on the block, but it seemed that in the last few minutes he finally relented and allowed Jones some freedom on the floor.

Comments:

• Did a little better getting the ball inside in the second half, but Jones still doesn't understand that not only does he belong on the block, but we need him on the block.
• Have to agree with the ESPNU commentary crew in wondering why Cal doesn't give the bench players more minutes. With UK up 20 with just under 10 minutes to play, what's the harm in resting Knight and Lamb and bringing in Hood and Poole?
• It is sometimes sad to hear how quiet the Rupp Arena crowd can be. I realize it wasn't much of a game, but some intensity out of the student section (or the old folks section) would have been very much appreciated.
• Liggins did a phenomenal job of shutting down Earnest Ross, who up until this game was averaging over 13 a game. Having a lockdown defender like that is really something that will come in handy over and over again this year. (see the Notre Dame and Louisville games for evidence)

Next up: Saturday, 4:30 v. LSU